Home, Sweet Hotel: Finding the Right Extended Stay Hotel for You

Relocating for a job and unsure where to live in your new city? Well, if you're looking for a place to call home for a month or more, you may want to consider an extended-stay hotel, as these can offer convenient amenities at affordable long-term rates. Problem is: how do you know which one to choose?

According to the Business Travel News 2008 Hotel Chain Survey, participants gave the best score to Hilton Hotel's upscale extended-stay chain, Homewood Suites. Following close behind were Residence Inn by Marriott, InterContinental Hotels Group's Staybridge Suites, TownePlace Suites by Marriott and IHG's Candlewood Suites. In the mid-priced range, Homestead Suites (not to be confused with Homewood Suites) came out on top. Extended Stay America took the No.2 spot.

In October 2007, Biz-stay.com conducted a survey comparing the lowest-available weekly discount rates of 10 leading extended stay-hotel chains, ranging from budget to upscale. Here is an overview of what they discovered:

In addition, depending on which extended-stay chain you select, you may also find additional amenities such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, an exercise room, a swimming pool, and/or an onsite convenience store. However, these perks are found more often in the mid-range and upscale facilities, rather than the budget extended-stay chains.

In order to determine the right extended-stay hotel for you, it's important to start with your maximum budget and minimum needs. Then, give careful consideration to finding an extended-stay hotel in the right location. Not all extended-stay chains are available in every city, nor are they always in neighborhoods that are convenient for you - so this may require some compromise. Finally, consider the best amenities for the best prices, according to what you must have versus what would just be icing on the cake.

In the end, determining the right extended-stay hotel for you can only be done by you. Convenience, price, and amenities are very personal choices. But, with a little research and some comparison shopping, you will be able to find the extended stay-hotel that best fits your individual needs.